NCBA Bank Kenya celebrated a significant milestone last week with the graduation of 24 entrepreneurs from the 2025 cohort of the Strathmore Business School Enterprise Development Programme. This graduation reinforces the bank’s commitment to accelerating sustainable SME growth across Kenya.
The intensive 16-week programme, now having supported over 300 entrepreneurs to date, is designed to equip business owners with practical skills in financial management, operations, digital transformation, and leadership.
Graduates for the 2025 cohort represent key sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, retail, logistics, construction, and professional services.
Speaking at the event, Dennis Njau, NCBA Group Director for Retail Banking, reaffirmed the bank’s partnership with entrepreneurs: “When entrepreneurs grow, the country grows. This programme is a cornerstone of our pledge to walk the growth journey with SMEs, building not just stronger businesses, but a stronger economy.”
The Enterprise Development Programme is a key pillar of NCBA’s wider SME ecosystem, which includes strategic credit access partnerships with organisations such as the Africa Guarantee Fund, AFAWA, Water.org, and Proparco. These partnerships specifically support women-led businesses, climate resilience, and water and sanitation financing.
NCBA’s long-standing collaboration with Strathmore Business School extends through the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Centre, offering further initiatives such as the Owner Management Programme (OMP), boot camps, and industry expos.
For your coverage consideration, we have provided the following materials:
- Full press release, photos with captions, and background information are attached.
- Video & Audio B-Roll: Downloadable links for soundbites from entrepreneurs Billy Simwa and James Kinuthia Waithaka, as well as NCBA Director Dennis Njau.
- Video Cutaways: General footage of the graduation ceremony is available via the provided link.
We would be grateful for your consideration in covering this story. Please let us know if you require any additional information or interviews.
Video Links:
- Billy Simwa (Entrepreneur): https://we.tl/t-gDKLbETLZ5
- James Kinuthia Waithaka (Entrepreneur): https://we.tl/t-oXOtWVCjfM
- Dennis Njau, Director Retail Banking, NCBA: https://we.tl/t-kU1f8YFLxh
Audio Links:
- Billy Simwa: https://we.tl/t-dQwTiNA2CE
- James Kinuthia Waithaka: https://we.tl/t-IRBE4isWn4
- Dennis Njau: https://we.tl/t-rU4Aq8Owym
Cutaway Footage:
https://we.tl/t-TdZ8IfHvSt
By James Kisoo
